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Abstract
Developing innovative interventions for inner city HAART delivery in the Canadian context: Indigenous health, HIV, and access
Elliott D.1, Krawcyzk M.2, Gurney C.3, Rock Thunder R.3, Myran A.3, Storm L.3, Littlejohn D.3, Tyndall M.4
Objectives: In spite of free access to antiretroviral therapy, we continue to witness serious disparities in access to HAART among certain populations in the Canadian context. Indigenous peoples, in particular, continue to face challenges in accessing HIV care and treatment. Canadian Indigenous peoples, especially women and those using injection drugs, are among the highest at risk for HIV and, thus, there is an urgent public health need to develop culturally-competent interventions which increase up-take and support adherence.
Methods: Based on qualitative, ethnographic research carried out in Vancouver, Canada between September 2006 and June 2007, this papers draws from data resulting from focus groups, semi-structured interviews with HIV/HCV positive Indigenous men and women (n=30), and interviews with staff and clinicians (n=10). This research project engaged a participatory action research methodology whereby Indigenous community participants were directly involved in research training, practice, analysis, and dissemination strategies. This project aimed to create culturally-appropriate and methodologically sound research practices that contribute to community health, awareness and empowerment.
Results: We found a general lack of culturally-competent health services designed for Indigenous people living with HIV. Indigenous peoples living in Vancouver’s inner city experience multiple barriers accessing HAART including a lack of culturally-sensitive programming, individual struggles with addictions, mental health, and other chronic health issues, and discrimination among health-care providers. Concerns about serious adverse effects from HAART also influence participants’ decisions to engage in therapy. Lastly, apprehension to start therapy was also informed by a fear of stigma by family members once their HIV status was disclosed.
Conclusions: Our research findings highlight the on-going demand for the development of public health initiatives which address the specific needs of urban Indigenous peoples, specifically, therapeutic interventions that incorporate traditional Indigenous healing components and Indigenous health care professionals into their programming.
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
Abstract no.
CDB465
Suggested Citation
"ElliottD., et al.
Developing innovative interventions for inner city HAART delivery in the Canadian context: Indigenous health, HIV, and access.
:
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention:
Abstract no.
CDB465"
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